Hakainde Hichilema

Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles

Madam Speaker,Good morning.In accordance with Article 9(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Za...

President Hakainde Hichilema Speech at State Banquet with Ghana President JD Mahama

CDF Increased 25-Fold from K1.6m to K40m Per Constituency

The Constituency Development Fund was increased from K1.6 million in 2021 to K40 million in 2026, em...

SPEECH BY MR. HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA DURING THE OPENING OF THE 5TH SESSION OF THE 13TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Madam Speaker,Introduction1. We are honoured to join you today to address the house on this auspicio...

Speech During the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly

Madam Speaker,Introduction1. We are honoured to join you today to address the house on this auspicio...

Lusaka Securities Exchange Posts 55.8% Growth

The Lusaka Securities Exchange all-share index posted a remarkable 55.8 percent year-to-date growth,...

Copper Production on Track for 1 Million Metric Tonnes

Copper production increased from 733,000 metric tonnes in 2021 to 821,000 in 2024, on track to reach...

100MW Chisamba Solar Power Plant Commissioned

The 100 megawatt Chisamba Solar Phase-1 Project was commissioned, marking a milestone in Zambia's en...

Constitutional Amendment to Guarantee Representation for Women and Youth

Constitutional reforms through Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025 guaranteed representation for women, you...

Record Maize Harvest of 3.7 Million Metric Tonnes

Zambia recorded a historic maize harvest of 3.7 million metric tonnes in the 2024/2025 farming seaso...

Diesel Pump Price Reduced by 30% Through Open Access Reforms

Through the introduction of the fuel open access regime on the TAZAMA pipeline, the government reduc...

94MW Itimpi Solar Power Station Commissioned

The 94 megawatt Copperbelt Energy Corporation Itimpi Solar Power Station was commissioned, adding si...

National Address on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles — 2025

Madam Speaker,We are honoured to address this august House on the progress made in the application o...

Mission 300 Compact Signed: 10 Gigawatts by 2030

Zambia signed the Mission 300 compact alongside 29 African heads of state, committing to deliver 10...

Over 92% of External Debt Successfully Restructured

The UPND New Dawn administration successfully restructured over 92 percent of Zambia's external debt...

School Feeding Programme Expanded to 106 Districts

The home-grown school feeding programme was expanded to 106 districts, reaching over 4.6 million lea...

Over K16 Billion Disbursed Through CDF Since 2022

Since 2022, over K16 billion has been disbursed through the enhanced Constituency Development Fund,...

Social Cash Transfer Beneficiaries Increased to 1.5 Million Households

The number of beneficiary households on the Social Cash Transfer programme increased from 895,000 in...

2.4 Million People Supported Through Cash for Work Programme

Since its introduction in August 2024, the Cash for Work programme benefited 2.4 million vulnerable...

Online Public Services Increased from 116 to 368

The number of public services available online through ZamPortal increased from 116 in 2021 to 368 i...

Fiscal Deficit Reduced from 9% to Under 6% of GDP

Through disciplined fiscal management, the government reduced the fiscal deficit from over nine perc...

Average GDP Growth of 5.2% (2021-2024)

Zambia's economy grew at an average rate of 5.2 percent between 2021 and 2024, more than three times...

42,000 Teachers Recruited Since 2022

The government recruited 42,000 teachers since 2022 to address the teacher deficit and improve the q...

1.6 Million School Desks Procured

Over 1.6 million desks were procured for schools across the country, ensuring that no child has to s...

TEVET Student Enrolment More Than Doubled

Student enrolment in TEVET institutions increased to 96,000 in 2024 from 38,000 in 2021, including a...

282 New Health Facilities Constructed

Since 2021, the government constructed 282 new health facilities across the country, including seven...

18,000 Health Workers Recruited

The government recruited 18,000 health workers since taking office to address critical staffing shor...

Medicine Availability Doubled to 85%

The availability of medicines and medical supplies in health facilities more than doubled from 44 pe...

Immunisation Coverage for Children Increased to 81%

Immunisation coverage for children under one year increased from 75 percent in 2022 to 81 percent in...

FISP E-Voucher Reform: 730,000 Farmers Migrated

The government migrated 730,000 farmers onto the FISP e-voucher system, removing over 210,000 fraudu...

No Loss of Life to Hunger During Devastating Drought

Despite the worst drought in living memory during the 2023/2024 season, no life was lost to hunger,...

2,450 Kilometres of Rural Roads Rehabilitated

Since 2021, the government rehabilitated 2,450 kilometres of rural roads, opening up the country and...

Provincial Airports Rehabilitated

The government rehabilitated Kasama, Chipata, Mongu and Solwezi airports, and commenced upgrading Ma...

TAZARA Concession Agreement Concluded

Negotiations for the concession agreement on the revitalisation of TAZARA railway were concluded, wi...

Tourist Arrivals Reach Record 2.2 Million

International tourist arrivals increased from 554,000 in 2021 to a record 2.2 million in 2024, the l...

Corruption Perception Index Score Improved from 33 to 39

Zambia's Corruption Perception Index score improved from 33 in 2021 to 39 in 2024, with the global r...

13 Government Functions Devolved to Local Authorities

The government devolved 13 functions with matching resources from central government to local author...

High Court Established in All 10 Provinces

The government expanded the High Court to all ten provinces of Zambia, improving access to justice f...

Over 2,000 Boreholes and 491 Piped Water Schemes Constructed

Since 2021, the government constructed more than 2,000 boreholes and 491 piped water schemes, and re...

2,700 Water and Sanitation Facilities Built Through CDF

Using the enhanced Constituency Development Fund, the government constructed more than 2,700 water,...

Zambia Becomes Largest Maize Seed Producer in Sub-Saharan Africa

With the completion of the Bayer Itaba seed production facility in Kabwe, Zambia became the largest...

Kalengwa Mine Reopened After 47 Years

The government commissioned the re-opening of Kalengwa mine in Mufumbwe district, which had been clo...

$2 Billion Barrick Lumwana Super Pit Expansion Commissioned

Works on the $2 billion Barrick Lumwana Mine Super Pit Expansion Project were commissioned. The proj...

Speech During the Opening of the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly

Madam Speaker,We are honoured to address this august House on the occasion of the opening of the Fou...

Ammonia and Urea Plant Becomes Operational

The ammonia and urea plant at United Capital Fertiliser Zambia Limited became operational, positioni...

🇰🇪 Kenya — Attended the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit at the invitation of Kenyan President William Ruto.

🇹🇿 Tanzania — Attended the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

National Address on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles — 2024

Madam Speaker,We are honoured to address this august House on the progress made in the application o...

🇳🇦 Namibia — Attended the state funeral of Namibian President Hage Geingob.

🇪🇹 Ethiopia — Attended the African Union Summit. Engaged with Africa50 on infrastructure investment. Attended the unveiling of a statue of Julius Nyerere.

🇧🇼 Botswana — Bilateral state visit to Botswana.

🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of Congo — Attended the inauguration of President Félix Tshisekedi for his second term in Kinshasa.

166 New Secondary Schools Under Construction

The government commenced construction of 166 new secondary schools across the country, scheduled for...

Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway Under Construction

Significant progress was recorded on the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway, connecting the capital with...

Inflation Reduced from 24.4% to Single Digits

Inflation fell sharply from 24.4 percent in August 2021 to 8.9 percent by the end of 2023, reflectin...

Access to Information Act Signed into Law

The Access to Information Act was signed into law on 15 December 2023, marking a significant milesto...

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates — Attended COP28 in Dubai. Urged the world to step up climate action.

$1.1 Billion Mopani Copper Mine Investment Unlocked

Through a joint venture with International Resource Holdings via ZCCM-IH, the government unlocked $1...

🇮🇹 Italy — State visit to Italy. Met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Invited Italian firm Maccarese Farm to invest in Zambia.

🇩🇪 Germany — Attended the G20 Compact with Africa Summit. Engaged in bilateral discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia — Attended the first Saudi Arabia-Africa Summit along with various African heads of state. Emphasised Zambia's vital partnership with Saudi Arabia for African economic empowerment.

🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of Congo — Attended the Extra-Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State to hold talks on strengthening peace and security in Eastern DRC.

🇱🇸 Lesotho — Attended the inauguration of the new government of Lesotho. Expressed optimism about political reforms in Lesotho.

🇲🇿 Mozambique — Attended the inauguration of the newly refurbished Port of Nacala.

🇨🇳 China — First state visit to China. Met with President Xi Jinping. China and Zambia upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Speech During the Opening of the Third Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly

Madam Speaker,We are honoured to address this august House on the occasion of the opening of the Thi...

🇿🇦 South Africa — Attended the BRICS Summit as a guest.

🇬🇭 Ghana — First bilateral state visit to Ghana. Zambia and Ghana signed several agreements. President Hichilema was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Valley View University.

🇫🇷 France — Attended the New Global Financing Pact Summit focused on multilateral financing for countries, especially regarding climate change. Negotiated a historic debt restructuring deal for Zambia's $6.3 billion external debt.

Zambia's Historic Debt Restructuring Deal

At the New Global Financing Pact Summit in Paris, Zambia negotiated a landmark debt restructuring de...

🇷🇼 Rwanda — First bilateral state visit to Rwanda per the invitation of President Paul Kagame.

🇷🇺 Russia — Met with President Vladimir Putin as part of the African Peace Initiative Mission to encourage communication and negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

🇺🇦 Ukraine — Travelled to Bucha as part of the African Peace Initiative Mission together with other African Heads of State to address the Russia-Ukraine situation.

🇵🇱 Poland — Held bilateral talks with Polish President Andrzej Duda.

🇫🇷 France — Held talks with President Emmanuel Macron focused on debt relief and potential for trade and investment between Zambia and France.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom — Attended the Coronation of King Charles III. Participated in the Commonwealth Heads of State pre-coronation summit. Visited Scotland at invitation of the Scottish First Minister. Attended the Zambia Investment Forum hosted by Invest Africa.

🇲🇿 Mozambique — State visit to Mozambique to bolster ties and enhance trade between the two nations.

National Address on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles — 2023

Madam Speaker,In accordance with Article 9(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia, we are...

🇪🇹 Ethiopia — Attended the African Union Summit themed 'The Year of AfCFTA Implementation'.

🇸🇳 Senegal — Attended the Feed Africa Dakar 2 Summit. Delivered a keynote speech on mobilising cheaper capital for agriculture projects.

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates — Visited Abu Dhabi to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Conference. Signed a $2 billion finance deal with the UAE for the development of solar farms in Zambia.

🇦🇴 Angola — First official bilateral visit to Angola. Met with President João Lourenço. Addressed Angola's National Assembly on good governance and democracy.

Visa-Free Access Extended to 167 Countries

The government extended visa-free access to citizens of 167 countries, making Zambia one of the most...

🇺🇸 United States — Attended the US-Africa Leaders Summit hosted by President Biden in Washington DC.

🇪🇬 Egypt — Attended COP27. Zambia chaired the African Group of Negotiators. Signed MoU with the EU to enhance Forest Partnerships.

🇱🇸 Lesotho — Attended the inauguration ceremony of the Prime Minister-elect of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

🇳🇦 Namibia — State visit to Namibia. Attended the Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAiTEX) as keynote speaker. Invited by President Hage Geingob.

🇺🇸 United States — Attended the 77th UN General Assembly. Addressed the General Debate. Met with President Biden, various business leaders, attended the US-Africa Business Forum and the presidential dinner hosted by President Biden.

Speech During the Opening of the Second Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly

Madam Speaker,We are honoured to once again address this august House on the occasion of the opening...

🇿🇲 Zambia — Hosted the SADC Summit. Hichilema was elected as the new Chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

🇹🇿 Tanzania — State visit to Tanzania. Met with President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The two countries agreed to upgrade TAZARA to Standard Gauge Railway.

🇷🇼 Rwanda — Attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2022) in Kigali.

2022 EU Formal Sitting: Address by Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia

Thank you very much. Your Excellency, Mr Roberta Metsola, President of the European Union Parliament...

🇧🇪 Belgium — Addressed the European Parliament. Met with the President of the European Parliament, EU Vice President and Commissioner for Trade, and the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships.

🇰🇪 Kenya — State visit to Kenya. Met with President Uhuru Kenyatta. The two nations agreed to remove barriers hindering trade.

🇸🇿 Eswatini — Official visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini at the invitation of King Mswati III. Signed MoUs in Tourism and established a Political Consultation Mechanism.

🇿🇦 South Africa — Attended the Mining Indaba 2022 conference in Cape Town. Delivered a keynote speech and held bilateral talks with President Ramaphosa.

$1.25 Billion Kansanshi Mine Expansion Secured

First Quantum Minerals announced a $1.25 billion investment to expand the Kansanshi mine at Sentinel...

Zambia Becomes Africa's Largest Nickel Producer

A $100 million investment by First Quantum Minerals successfully brought the Enterprise Nickel Mine...

National Address on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles — 2022

Madam Speaker,It is our honour to address this august House on the progress made in the application...

🇻🇦 Vatican City — Met with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

🇧🇪 Belgium — Attended the AU-EU Summit. First trip to the European Union. Held talks with EU leaders on the sidelines.

🇪🇹 Ethiopia — Attended the African Union Summit. Theme: 'Building Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent'. Held bilateral talks on the sidelines.

🇿🇦 South Africa — Met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to cement bilateral relations.

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates — Officially opened the Zambian National Day at Expo 2020. Held bilateral talks with various UAE ministers on the sidelines.

🇲🇼 Malawi — Attended the SADC Extraordinary Summit focused on extending the SADC Mission in Mozambique.

Free Education Policy Introduced

The government abolished school fees at public primary and secondary schools, enabling over 2.3 mill...

Economic and Financial Crimes Court Established

The government established a specialised Economic and Financial Crimes Court to expedite disposal of...

IMF Staff-Level Agreement Secured

The IMF and Zambia reached a staff-level agreement for a $1.4 billion programme to support the resto...

🇲🇼 Malawi — First official bilateral visit to Malawi. Met with President Lazarus Chakwera to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of Congo — Attended the DRC-Africa Business Forum held in Kinshasa. Held bilateral talks with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi.

🇧🇼 Botswana — Attended World Children's Day celebrations with four Southern African presidents.

🇲🇺 Mauritius — Attended the ribbon ceremony of the second edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair 2021.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom — Attended the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. Addressed the assembly and met with various delegates on the sidelines, including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

🇺🇸 United States — Attended the 76th United Nations General Assembly. Addressed the General Assembly on 21 September. Met with US Vice-President Kamala Harris, World Bank and IMF heads.

Speech During the Official Opening of the First Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly

Introduction Madam Speaker,It is a great honour for me to be here today to address this August...

Inauguration Speech - President Hakainde Hichilema

Your Excellency, the Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu and the Forme...